Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s not like there’s much to cover up.”
Not wanting him to see how hurt I am by his comment, I turn away from him, looking for something to cover up with. It’s only when I hear the soft gasp behind me that I realize my mistake.
I just exposed the ugliest part of me. My boobs might be small, but at least they’re normal-looking, unlike my back. Multiple surgeries on my spine have left me with a large, ragged scar running down the center of my back. I didn’t know it then, but the moment I fell, a lumbar vertebrae fracture ended my career. No one has ever seen it besides the doctors and my mom. And I wasn’t planning on ever showing anybody. I always make sure my clothes cover my back completely, so no one catches sight of this monstrosity. Now a guy who picks on all my flaws, no matter how tiny, has seen the biggest one of all.
“Here, put this on.” Nix’s voice booms through the space moments before some balled-up fabric hits me in my shoulder.
Quickly, I lean down and grab it. Without even looking at what it is, I pull it over my body frantically. Only once my skin is covered do I look down and realize he gave me a summer dress.
“See how quick that was. Now, let’s go.”
“Why? Why can’t you just leave me alone?”
“So you can mess with our stuff, go through it while we’re gone? You’re coming with us so we can keep an eye on you.”
“I don’t give a shit about your stuff!”
“You really have a mouth on you.” Nix grabs my wrist and starts to pull me toward the door. “Maybe we can put it to use later.”
“Fuck you,” I spit back.
In response, he tightens his grip on my wrist painfully as he drags me down the stairs. Colt is right behind us, following along quietly. I wonder why he hasn’t said anything about my scar. Probably thinking about the best way to make fun of it.
“I’m not even wearing sandals, and I need to grab my purse.” I don’t even mention the fact that I’m still wearing my pajama bottoms under the dress.
“You don’t need any of that,” Nix tells me as he opens the front door. As if he’s in a hurry, he pulls me outside so fast I have to jog to keep up with his large strides.
This time, Colt gets into the driver’s seat while Nix opens the back door and literally lifts me inside, throwing me on the bench before closing the door behind me.
What the fuck is going on?
I barely have time to sit up and buckle myself before we speed down the driveway.
“Can you at least tell me where the hell we’re going?”
“Pool party,” Nix grunts.
“I’ll wait in the truck.”
“As if we would leave you in our truck. You’ll probably steal everything that’s not attached,” Colt accuses.
“Jesus! How do you come up with all this shit? I’ve never stolen anything in my life, and I sure as hell don’t want anything of yours.”
“Sounds like something a thief would say.”
“Says the guys who literally just kidnapped a human being.”
“God, stop being so dramatic. We’re taking you to a party. You should be grateful.”
Before I can answer him, he turns his stereo up so loud that the sound makes my ears hurt.
The only thing I’d be grateful for is if this truck would crash. At this point, I wouldn’t even care if I was in it as well.
CHAPTER 7
Instead of parking at the front of the house, Colt pulls the truck around and parks in the backyard by the pool. A group of people sits on the deck, hollering as we pull up.
Colt cuts the engine and opens his door. Nix does the same while I remain motionless in my seat. Maybe I’m lucky, and they forgot I’m here.
Nix crushes my hope the next moment when he opens the back door. “Let’s go, Leni.”
I take one more deep, calming breath before I unbuckle and slide off the seat. As soon as I climb out of the truck, the drunken chattering around the pool dies down.
All eyes are on me as I walk barefoot over the lawn toward the small crowd of people. As I get closer, I recognize most of them. Bradley, Hunter, and Trent used to play football with Nix and Colt. Two other guys I know from my math and science classes.
“What the hell is she doing here?” Deborah’s shrill voice pierces through the air.
I glance over at her and immediately wish I didn’t. Piper. My once-best friend is standing right next to Deborah, staring at me in shock, just like most other people here.
“Don’t mind her. My dad made us bring her along. She’ll sit quietly by the pool. You won’t even know she’s here,” Nix explains as he shoves me toward the end of the pool.